The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has appointed Susan Speigel, BA, B.Arch., (EQ. M.Arch), OAA, FRAIC, as the organization’s new President. Speigel was acclaimed to the one-year position at an OAA Council meeting, which took place on January 21.
?A few years ago, I wouldn?t have imagined I would find myself in this wonderful role,? says Speigel. ?I?m honoured, excited, and eager to get to work.?
Photo courtesy of the OAA.
Speigel?s career has spanned more than 30 years and five cities, including Sudbury, Ottawa, New York, Neuchâtel, and now Toronto. As a young graduate?aware of the barriers faced by women in the profession?she and four other designers launched an all-women firm, Villa Villa, a group she describes as ?brave and creative,? where she cut her teeth in the industry. Speigel then worked with her father-in-law to solidify her architectural education. Since then, always careful to ensure family life was integrated into her practice, her work has evolved through various iterations, including a brief foray into the tech world?a move that brought a fresh perspective when she eventually returned to architecture reinvigorated.
Rooted in her passion for community-building, activism, and innovation, she launched her own multidisciplinary design firm, Susan Speigel Architect Inc. (SSA), focused on architecture, landscape, and urbanistic public realm projects for non-profit organizations, the public housing sector, and private residences. Speigel is also an ...